The Stinger’s release last year saw ANCAP award different ratings to different variants, including an embarrassing three stars to the lower-spec cars.

While all Stinger variants scored well structurally in terms of impact protection, the lack of impact avoidance technology meant that the Stinger 200S and 330S variants could only receive three stars.

Meanwhile the Stinger Si, GT-Line and GT, which all had autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist, received the maximum 5-Star rating.

“As soon as we were made aware of the unusual situation regarding the original ANCAP rating of the Stinger, Kia Motors Australia took steps to rectify and ensure consistency across the model range,” said Kia Australia chief operating officer Damien Meredith.

“At no stage was there any suggestion that the physical crash safety of any Stinger model was less than any other grade, however the absence of some technology on the entry-level cars led to a split rating. With the inclusion of AEB on both S grade models that situation no longer exists.”

The addition of AEB and lane keeping assist on all Stingers manufactured from March 2018 results in a $1000 price bump for the S models, with the 200S and 330s now retailing for $46,990 and $49,990 respectively.